Heading to San Antonio, Texas, and unsure what to do. Properly, you’re in the fitting place as a result of this information is filled with enjoyable and funky issues to do in San Antonio for all ages!
San Antonio has one thing for everybody. Need to go to a museum? There are a minimum of 6 of them within the metropolis and so they cowl all the things from pure historical past to the Wild West. Need to take the children to an amusement park? You’ll be spoiled for selection because the metropolis has a number of of the perfect and largest within the state.
I’ve solely gotten began on the enjoyable issues to do in San Antonio so persist with me as I inform you about all the opposite cool issues it’s good to see on this Texas metropolis.
San Antonio is sweet for {couples}, households, and solo vacationers. Everybody can discover one thing to do right here whether or not it’s touring a historic landmark or consuming at a restaurant inside an 18th century brewery constructing.
Better of San Antonio Fast Information
- Should See: The Alamo, San Antonio River Stroll, San Antonio Mission Path, La Villita, Pearl District, San Fernando Cathedral
- The place To Keep: The Gunter Lodge, The Menger Lodge, Lodge Emma
- Enjoyable To Do: River Cruise, The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum, Ghost excursions, Tower of The Americas, Six Flags Fiesta Texas
- Day Journeys: Austin, Pure Bridge Caverns
- Should-Strive Meals: Puffy tacos, Barbecue, Bean burger, Rooster on a stick
Finest Issues To Do In San Antonio, Texas
The issues to do in San Antonio vary from enjoyable excursions of historic neighborhoods to sightings of Teddy Roosevelt’s ghost. The town has a lot to supply that anybody can have enjoyable right here no matter their age and private pursuits.
Youngsters love the amusement and theme parks, younger adults benefit from the colourful metropolis middle with enjoyable outlets and eateries, whereas correct adults can tour the Alamo and the historic Mission church buildings. Or have a blast on the largest Six Flags in Texas as a result of adults can take pleasure in amusement park rides too.
1. San Antonio River Stroll
San Antonio’s River Stroll is the highest attraction on this Texas metropolis. Landscaped strolling paths can be found on both facet of the San Antonio River for roughly 15 miles. Outlets, eateries, and resorts line the promenade, which sits one stage beneath the town’s predominant roads. The Downtown space of the River Stroll is the most well-liked with vacationers and locals, however the promenade extends many miles north, and you possibly can proceed strolling for greater than an hour.
The River Stroll can get awfully crowded in the summertime months, however discovering a extra tranquil space shouldn’t be a problem. Simply hold strolling previous all of the busy eating places and bars; the additional down the River Stroll you go, the smaller the crowds you’ll encounter.
How iconic is the San Antonio River Stroll? Sufficient that the San Antonio Spurs have a good time successful the title by doing a victory boat parade.
Sensible Info: San Antonio River Stroll is a 15-mile promenade accessible totally free at any time of day.
2. Tour La Villita Historic Village
La Villita is a historic artsy neighborhood sitting one stage above the San Antonio River Stroll. The district is listed on the Nationwide Registry of Historic Locations for its Nineteenth-century buildings that function examples of early residential growth in San Antonio.
This previous neighborhood is dwelling to artwork galleries, outlets, and colourful sculptures. Should you just like the sugar cranium motif, you’ll adore it on this picturesque little village.
La Villita meeting corridor can be on this district, and it’s an iconic sight within the San Antonio skyline. The constructing is thought for the painted flower on its concave roof, and you may simply spot it from the commentary deck on the Tower of the Americas.
Sensible Info: La Villita Historic Village is accessible any time of day, totally free. Most outlets within the neighborhood are open from 10 AM to six PM.
The Historic Market Sq. is in western San Antonio, outdoors the middle of the town. And it’s completely value it to exit of your solution to see it as a result of it’s one of many metropolis’s greatest locations for memento procuring and low cost meals.
Come right here for genuine Tex-Mex meals, colourful garments, jewellery, and all types of trinkets and crafts. Even when you’re not very hungry once you go to the Historic Market Sq., I like to recommend you attempt a minimum of the puffy tacos. They’re an iconic San Antonio delicacy and top-of-the-line native meals.
Bean burgers, hen on a stick, and candy potato fries are different San Antonio specialties to attempt when you’re doing a culinary tour of the town. I’ll say that it’s a very good factor many of the metropolis middle is walkable as a result of it should take 1000’s of steps to burn off all these scrumptious energy.
Sensible Info: The Historic Market Sq. is open from 10 AM to six PM. Entrance to the realm is freed from cost.
4. Recognize The View From The Tower of The Americas
The Tower of the Americas is certainly one of two commentary decks in Texas and the one one in San Antonio. It was constructed for the 1968 World Honest and took 18 months to complete.
It’s the centerpiece of HemisFair Park in Downtown San Antonio. Has an commentary deck on prime and a revolving restaurant the place you may get a pleasant (however costly) meal with nice views. Should you purchase tickets for the commentary deck, you additionally get entry to the 4D theater, the place you’ll be able to take a journey in 4D over Texas.
Insider Tip: Come right here after darkish for a wonderful view of the San Antonio skyline.
Sensible Info: The Tower of the Americas is open from 10 AM to 10-11 PM. Tickets for the commentary deck are $18.50 for adults.
5. Stroll The San Antonio Mission Path
Head to the San Antonio Missions Nationwide Historic Park to find certainly one of solely 24 UNESCO World Heritage Websites in the US. San Antonio missions had been necessary outposts for Catholic non secular orders established by the Spanish colonists. The aim of the missions was to assist unfold Christianity among the many native inhabitants.
4 out of 5 San Antonio missions are preserved within the park; the fifth is by far probably the most well-known identified, referred to as the Alamo. The Mission Path is a strolling path by means of the nationwide park, which lets you uncover all 4 missions on the grounds. Bicycles can be found, and so they’re the perfect for getting from one mission to a different shortly.
It’s additionally potential to simply drive from one spot to a different, and that is the most suitable choice when you have very restricted time in San Antonio. Should you solely have time to go to certainly one of these landmarks, make it Mission San Jose. It’s the best-preserved constructing with interval furnishings and an exhibit that gives perception into the lives of the native inhabitants within the early 18th century.
Sensible Info: San Antonio Missions Nationwide Historic Park is open every day from dawn to sundown. Entrance to the park is freed from cost.
6. Go On A River Cruise
Don’t have sufficient time to discover the historic River Stroll on foot? That’s advantageous as a result of you’ll be able to tour the complete pedestrian space in a ship in about half-hour! Go Rio cruises can be found at a number of spots on the River Stroll, so simply stroll alongside the river till you see a Go Rio ticket sales space or empty boats.
The boats depart each 15-20 minutes, so that you may need to attend a short time for a free seat. Purchase tickets on-line when you don’t wish to wait in line on the ticket sales space, however take into account that they’re not timed tickets. Seats on the boat are given out on a first-come-first-served foundation.
I like to recommend doing the river cruise at evening for the best possible expertise. The boats all mild up in brilliant colours, and there’s one thing particular concerning the River Stroll after darkish. All of the cruises are narrated, and the information will inform you numerous concerning the historical past of the River Stroll and its significance for San Antonio and its residents.
Sensible Info: Go Rio cruises happen each 15-20 minutes. A ticket for adults is $14.5.
7. Ghost Tour of San Antonio
San Antonio is a wonderful vacation spot for ghost hunts and haunted excursions. If that doesn’t sound like one thing you’d take pleasure in, simply skip to the following factor on this listing earlier than I traumatize you with ghost tales.
Essentially the most haunted constructing within the metropolis is in fact the Alamo, the place individuals to today report seeing ghosts of Texan troopers. Reverse the historic fort is the Menger Lodge, one other widespread vacation spot within the metropolis for ghost sightings. Company have reported listening to unusual noises within the lodge, seeing faces within the mirror, smelling cigar smoke, and even encountering the ghost of Teddy Roosevelt on the bar.
Go to all of San Antonio’s haunted websites by yourself, or prepare a guided ghost tour of the town. They happen after darkish, in fact, and are my advice if you wish to finish the evening terrified and lie in mattress stressed.
Sensible Info: Ghost excursions of San Antonio happen at evening and normally final for 2-3 hours.
8. Get Misplaced At The Japanese Tea Backyard
The Japanese Tea Backyard is near the San Antonio Zoo, north of the town middle. The botanical backyard dates again to the early twentieth century and options koi ponds, stone bridges, a pagoda, and a waterfall. Numerous vegetation and bushes adorn this lush backyard, and the mesmerizing landscaping is the perfect factor about it.
Come right here when you ever want to flee the busy streets of Downtown San Antonio. You’ll be able to overlook you’re in Texas for a second as you roam across the grounds of the fascinating botanical backyard.
Sensible Info: The Japanese Tea Backyard is open from 7 AM to five PM. Entrance to the botanical backyard is freed from cost.
9. Go to The Alamo
The Alamo might be probably the most well-known landmark in Texas. The legendary fort is without doubt one of the first missions in Texas and was initially referred to as Misión San Antonio de Valero.
It turned world-famous after the Battle of the Alamo, which was a turning level within the Texas Revolution. In the present day, the small fort is a museum with artifacts from the revolution period, one of many greatest occasions in Texas historical past. The Alamo is without doubt one of the most visited historic websites within the US so it’s at all times busy.
It’s small and doesn’t take lengthy to see. However the traces are lengthy, and you’ll have to wait in line at a spot that’s so widespread. The church on-site is free, however it’s good to purchase tickets for the opposite buildings.
Sensible Info: Tickets for the Alamo exhibit are $14 for adults. A guided tour of the complicated with entrance to all of the buildings is $45.
10. Sightseeing in The Pearl District
The Pearl District is the realm of San Antonio surrounding the historic Pearl Brewery. Initially based because the Metropolis Brewery in 1881, it might shortly grow to be the biggest brewery in Texas and the one one to outlive the prohibition.
The brewery closed down in 2001, and the constructing at present homes outlets and eating places. Come right here to find a unique a part of San Antonio, one which’s stuffed with historical past and fascinating landmarks however away from the town middle.
The Grotto can be within the Pearl district, located on the River Stroll south of the brewery constructing. It’s a synthetic riverfront cave with faces carved into the rocks, strolling paths by means of the cliffs, and man-made waterfalls.
Sensible Info: The Pearl Brewery is roughly a 30-minute stroll from the Downtown, accessible by strolling paths on the San Antonio River Stroll.
11. Uncover The Assortment at The San Antonio Museum of Artwork
The San Antonio Museum of Artwork is situated within the previous Lone Star Brewery constructing, only a 15-minute stroll from the Pearl District. It has a tremendous assortment of Latin American, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian artwork spanning practically 5,000 years. Work, sculptures, images, furnishings, on a regular basis objects, and extra are all on show.
The American assortment is on two flooring and has a piece devoted to Texas artists. The Asian assortment is the biggest within the Southwest, so if you’re an artwork lover in San Antonio, you must see this museum.
Sensible Info: The San Antonio Museum of Artwork is open from 10 AM to five/7 PM daily besides Monday. Tickets are $20 for adults.
12. Amusement Park Rides at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Should you’re in San Antonio with youngsters, there’s no higher place to take them than Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The theme park is often known as The Thrill Capital of South Texas with greater than 60 rides all through the grounds, together with a water park with a minimum of 15 slides. Should you’re searching for much more water rides, I counsel you take a look at SeaWorld San Antonio as an alternative.
Rising to a powerful 205 toes, the Scream drop tower is the park’s scariest journey. If you wish to really feel adrenaline coursing by means of your veins, it’s THE journey for you. However the centerpiece of the amusement park is the Boomerang rollercoaster, that includes insane twists and turns at a velocity of virtually 60 miles per hour.
The amusement park could be executed in a few hours when you’re brief on time, or you possibly can spend a complete day right here occurring completely different rides and having the time of your life. Should you resolve to remain on the Six Flags Fiesta for a minimum of half a day, contemplate getting a One-Day Eating Deal to economize on meals.
Sensible Info: One-day passes for the Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park begin at $45.
13. Discover The Pure Bridge Caverns
Among the best pure landmarks in Texas is only a 30-minute drive from central San Antonio. Come right here for underground excursions of the caverns but additionally to have some enjoyable on the journey programs above floor.
The caverns are outstanding to see with all of the completely different geological formations. Nevertheless, I don’t suggest this tour for vacationers with restricted mobility as a result of it will probably get very strenuous at instances. Additionally, the humidity is consistently at 99% and the temperature is generally round 70 levels, which is uncharacteristically heat for underground caves.
The journey park contains a maze, rope programs, and a number of zip rails above the bottom with panoramic views of Texas Hill Nation. All the pieces right here is kid-friendly, and there are even a few displays which can be particularly designed for the youngest guests.
Insider Tip: Put on sturdy sneakers as a result of the cavern ground is moist and slippery.
Sensible Info: The charge for cavern excursions is roughly $30-50, relying on the day you go to and the kind of tour you select. Pure Bridge Caverns Park is open every day from 9:30 AM to five:30 PM.
14. Native Flora at San Antonio Botanical Backyard
San Antonio Botanical Backyard is an enormous inexperienced area within the northern a part of the town. That includes ponds, landscaped strolling trails, and plush greenery throughout, the place is a sight for sore eyes when you’re uninterested in trying on the downtown buildings.
A number of conservatories are on the botanical backyard, and so they’re particular not just for the vegetation you’ll see inside but additionally for his or her form. The glass buildings are virtually items of artwork and fantastic to see. The vegetation and flowers inside are principally those which can be native to the area, however they’re nonetheless beautiful.
The botanical backyard additionally contains a cafe, and it’s an excellent place to take a seat down for a fast break earlier than you progress on to the following San Antonio landmark.
Sensible Info: The San Antonio Botanical Backyard is open from 9 AM to five PM. The doorway charge is $18-22 for adults.
15. Leap Into an LED Ball Pit at Hopscotch San Antonio
Hopscotch San Antonio is a contemporary artwork gallery with very enjoyable interactive displays. There are solely two Hopschotch galleries in the US, so a visit to San Antonio is the proper alternative to find this fabulous area.
It’s in contrast to any artwork gallery you’ve ever visited. Many displays are interactive and intensely enjoyable. You’ll be able to play in an LED ball pit, stroll round a rainbow cave, and leap round on a quantum trampoline. The exhibit additionally options murals and sculptures, however they’re removed from conventional artworks.
The artwork gallery can be one of the Instagrammable locations in San Antonio, so you could come right here if you wish to commemorate your journey to this metropolis with epic pictures.
Insider Tip: To have interaction with among the interactive displays, guests should take off their sneakers and put on socks.
Sensible Info: Hopscotch San Antonio is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 PM to 10 PM. Normal admission to the artwork gallery is $24.
16. Journey Again In Time At The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
Go to the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum in Downtown San Antonio for a style of the Wild West. The restaurant is a full-on Western saloon and has two museums on the property. One ticket will get you into each museums.
The Buckhorn Museum has a bizarre assortment of taxidermied animals. I didn’t prefer it very a lot. I imply, it’s an fascinating assortment, and I’ve by no means seen something prefer it in my life; I simply don’t like taxidermy very a lot.
I favored the Texas Ranger Museum a lot better, with its recreation of a Wild West city, full with a saloon and a jail cell. You’ll be able to stroll by means of these swinging saloon doorways and pose for photos behind bars, like an actual outlaw. The exhibit has weapons of well-known Texas rangers, their badges, and pictures.
Sensible Info: The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum is open from 10 AM to five PM. Admission tickets are $22.99 and embody entrance to all of the displays within the constructing. You’ll be able to e book them right here.
17. Tour The Spanish Governor’s Palace
The Spanish Governor’s Palace is considerably of a hidden gem in San Antonio. Embody it in your San Antonio itinerary if you wish to see a captivating stucco palace full with interval furnishings and ghosts. The palace is rumored to be haunted, and it’s usually included in San Antonio ghost excursions.
You received’t see any ghosts when you go to in the course of the day, and you may give attention to the impeccable colonial structure and beautiful vintage furnishings. Stunning artworks adorn the inside of the palace and its grounds, however I personally discovered the kitchen space probably the most fascinating. I’ve by no means seen something prefer it earlier than, particularly in such good situation.
Insider Tip: The Palace is located between the San Fernando Cathedral and the Historic Market Sq., so you’ll be able to see three widespread San Antonio sights in a single afternoon.
Sensible Info: The Spanish Governer’s Palace is open from 9 AM to five PM. Tickets are $5.
18. Day Journey to Austin
San Antonio is barely an hour and a half from Austin. The bustling state capital is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to on day journeys from San Antonio, each for the proximity and fantastic sights it gives. Austin is thought for its wonderful cultural scene, nice meals, reside music, and only a nice environment throughout.
Should you contemplate your self an artwork lover, you’ll have the time of your life in Austin. The town is dwelling to many fantastic museums and artwork displays, which vary from a museum devoted to Charles Umlauf’s works to a contemporary artwork set up named Cathedral of Junk.
The Texas Capitol is an iconic constructing that you could’t miss whilst you’re in Austin. It’s completely unbelievable to see and guests can get free, 30-minute guided excursions of the landmark complicated.
Sensible Info: Austin is 80 miles northeast of San Antonio. It takes about an hour and a half to achieve the town each by automotive and native bus.
19. Study About Texas at The Witte Museum
The Witte Museum is situated in Brackenridge Park and is without doubt one of the oldest museums in San Antonio. It tells the story of Texas from prehistoric instances to at present. The museum has an enormous assortment of historic artifacts and among the highlights are dinosaur bones and Sheriff’s badges from the 1800s.
It’s nice, and there’s one thing for everybody, it doesn’t matter what age. Youngsters love the enormous dinosaur replicas, and adults have extra enjoyable with the Texas artwork, textiles, and on a regular basis objects from a bygone period.
Not in downtown San Antonio however public transportation is obtainable. Bus from Alamo to Witte Museum is 20 minutes.
Sensible Info: The Witte Museum is open from 10 AM to six PM. Tickets are $16 for adults.
20. See The Historic San Fernando Cathedral
San Fernando Cathedral is yet one more in a string of historic landmarks to be present in Downtown San Antonio. The landmark church was initially constructed within the early 18th century and serves as a beautiful instance of Spanish colonial structure.
The opulent altar and marvelous stained glass home windows are the highlights of San Fernando Cathedral. Free guided excursions can be found to all guests, though you received’t get to see the inside of the church. As a substitute, the excursions take you across the cathedral grounds whereas the native information recounts the church’s historical past.
This church is commonly included in ghost excursions of San Antonio. Should you come right here at evening, you’ll get to see a spectacular mild and music present, and also you would possibly even expertise some paranormal occasions.
Sensible Info: San Fernando Cathedral is open from 9 AM to five PM and is accessible freed from cost.
Continuously Requested Questions For San Antonio, Texas
How Can I Spend 3 Days In San Antonio?
Three days are sufficient time to see all of San Antonio’s greatest landmarks and do a day journey to a close-by metropolis or nationwide park. Go to the Alamo, San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio Mission Path, the River Stroll, the Witte Museum, the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum, the San Antonio Botanical Backyard, and the Pearl, and go on a river cruise within the downtown.
What Is The Most Visited Place In San Antonio, Texas?
The Alamo is probably the most visited landmark in San Antonio, Texas. The San Antonio River Stroll is a detailed second, with a way more touristy environment than the historic battleground.
What Is San Antonio Finest Identified For?
San Antonio is greatest identified for the Alamo and the Spanish mission church buildings. Its wealthy and battle-ridden historical past has additionally made it well-known for ghost sightings.
How Do I Spend A Day In San Antonio?
Should you solely have a day in San Antonio, spend it visiting the River Stroll, the Alamo, Historic Market Sq., San Antonio Mission Historic Nationwide Park, and the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum. In the future is sufficient time to see all these landmarks, and also you would possibly simply have sufficient time to squeeze in a visit to one of many botanical gardens.
Ideas And Info For Visiting San Antonio, Texas
Finest Time To Go to
The most effective time to go to San Antonio is from November to April. March and April are typically the most well-liked months for journeys to this Texas metropolis due to the gentle, heat climate. It’s good for lengthy walks across the metropolis middle and excursions to close by parks and nationwide landmarks.
Keep away from touring to the town in the summertime when you can. San Antonio has highly regarded summers, and the temperatures usually exceed 90 levels all through the day. That’s too sizzling to be snug once you’re outdoors many of the day, particularly with the town’s excessive humidity.
Getting There
Search for flights to San Antonio Worldwide Airport. It’s solely a 15-minute drive from downtown San Antonio, so that you’ll be at your lodge very quickly. Buses additionally run from the airport to the town middle; tickets are cheap at $2.5, and the journey is barely 30-40 minutes lengthy. It’s value contemplating when you’re on a tighter price range and don’t wish to spend cash on taxis.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to fly to Austin after which get a journey to San Antonio. The airport in Austin is larger and busier than the one in San Antonio, with extra home and worldwide connections. The capital is simply an hour and a half from San Antonio by each automotive and bus.
Getting Round
A lot of central San Antonio is walkable, so you’ll be able to discover a big portion of the town on foot. Biking is widespread right here and a very good different to taxi rides and automotive leases. San Antonio has a very good bike-sharing system, and you may go to many of the sights listed on this information on a bicycle.
A rental automotive would enable you get round San Antonio faster, however it’s not a necessity. The general public transport community in San Antonio is sweet and may even enable you get all the best way to Austin. So, contemplate renting a automotive solely when you have very restricted time within the metropolis and also you wish to go to as many landmarks as potential.
How A lot Time Do You Want
Three days is the proper period of time for a San Antonio journey. It’s greater than sufficient time to cowl all the highest landmarks within the metropolis, in addition to a day journey to a close-by metropolis or nationwide park. I like to recommend incorporating a day journey to Austin in your three-day itinerary as a result of it’s very near San Antonio.
The town could be executed in two days, however you’ll want to decide on between a day journey or metropolis sights for the second day of the journey. And when you solely have sooner or later in San Antonio, prioritize all of the historic locations and buildings.
San Antonio Metropolis Move
The San Antonio Metropolis Move is actually good worth for cash and I extremely suggest you get it when you’re severe about sightseeing within the Texas metropolis. The go gives free entrance to 4 out of eight sights of your selection for $59:
- Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises ($14.5)
- San Antonio Zoo ($25)
- The Tower of The Americas ($18.50)
- The DoSeum ($18)
- San Antonio Botanical Backyard ($18-22)
- Witte Museum ($16)
- San Antonio Museum of Artwork ($20)
- The Alamo – Exhibit and Church ($14)
You may get your cash’s value when you go to simply three displays and the fourth one is virtually freed from cost! Getting the San Antonio Metropolis Move is a no brainer if a minimum of three of those locations have already made it onto your itinerary. Seize your Move right here.
The place To Keep in San Antonio, Texas
First-time guests ought to search for resorts in Downtown San Antonio for straightforward strolling entry to all the perfect vacationer sights. Many resorts can be found alongside the historic River Stroll, and so they’re among the greatest resorts within the metropolis.
The Pearl district can be a beautiful a part of the town to remain in, with loads of fascinating sights close by. Listed below are among the greatest resorts in San Antonio for all budgets:
- The Gunter Lodge is an reasonably priced choice within the Downtown, near all the perfect San Antonio landmarks.
- The Menger Lodge is an effective mid-range choice within the metropolis middle, with the added bonus of ghost sightings.
- Lodge Emma is a high-end luxurious lodge on the River Stroll within the Pearl District of San Antonio.
Whether or not you keep at a haunted lodge or an all-out luxurious resort, I’m fairly positive you’ll have a good time in San Antonio. Particularly when you prioritize visiting the sights that you’re genuinely excited about, versus queuing at widespread locations simply because it’s what you’re alleged to do.